Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Finding the Third Way
Learning to navigate conflict peacefully is a crucial life skill that fosters a culture of growth within families, groups and communities. When we shift from winning to understanding values and alternative perspectives, we create space for a third way, where growth can occur in understanding, empathy, relationships and capacity. It requires us to listen carefully and be aware of our own emotions as well as those of the other person. Engaging in active listening, where we learn to listen without interruption and then communicate clearly what is important to us, helps identify the values and different perspectives that are at the heart of the matter. Using “I” language to reflect back what we have heard allows for clarification of viewpoints and shifts the conversation into a more thoughtful space. Having listened carefully, we can then create an invitational space for identifying what is common to both people, creating space for problem-solving together to find a third way.
God invites us to restore relationships with one another through being able to forgive. By identifying the hurt and letting go through forgiveness, we enable ourselves to move forward more lightly. We create space for growth for all concerned. Identification and ownership of ways in which hurt has been caused and then seeking and giving forgiveness, enables us to let go of the weight of shame and blame. Most importantly, when we fall short of what God would have us be, He invites us to seek his forgiveness and to leave our burdens at the foot of the cross. Unburdened by the past, we are free to co-create better futures empowered by His love and grace.
Principal’s Log
Pacific supports people to engage in peaceful conflict resolution through engaging in open solution focused, face to face conversation where active listening occurs and there is a common desire to respect and understand the different values and perspectives at play. For students and staff, this involves engagement in restorative conversations where the questions of “what happened”, “who has been affected” and “what needs to happen to make this right”, help people to take ownership, and build empathy and understanding to find a third way forward. Relationships are built and tremendous capacity is grown through engagement in this process. For parents, there is the invitation to be solution focused and explore these same questions as we grow understanding and work through matters together. At Pacific, we invite open communication, set ground rules of respectful listening and guidelines for conflict resolution for all members of our community through our restorative practices approach. Families can also foster important relationships and capacities in young people by establishing clear guidelines at home for how conflict can be worked through peacefully and constructively.
This week, families had the opportunity to celebrate the growth of students through their involvement in the Year 5 and 6 music string and band program. As a community, we are enriched by the joy and the benefits of listening to and producing music. Research indicates that music plays a crucial role in enhancing cognitive function and emotional well-being across all age groups. For our young musicians, being part of our ensemble groups develops the capacity to focus, enhances memory and emotional regulation and engages young people in collaborative thinking and action. Through playing music, students experience tremendous growth in metacognition as they notice and evaluate their actions, making adjustments as they play. We congratulate our musicians on their growth and celebrate their talent. We also celebrate the talent and enthusiasm of our music team of Ms Krist-elle Hill, Mrs Helen Williams, Mr JarvisMiller and Ms Linley Chai and our instrumental teachers who promote a love and joy of engagement with music and performance.
As part of our strategic focus on enhancing the wellbeing and mental health of our young people, Pacific has invited Year 11 students to participate in the My Mind Check program. The program created by Macquarie University and funded by the Australian government provides the opportunity for students across P-12 to complete an age appropriate wellbeing check in. The information collected can then be used under strict privacy controls to inform practice within the College to support individual and cohort wellbeing. Families of Year 11 students have been invited to give consent. If the pilot is successful, we look forward to extending this opportunity for growth across P-12 in 2026. We thank Director of Student Engagement Ms Leigh Finter and her team for their leadership in this area.
As we interact may God equip us to have hearts for peaceful conflict resolution, where we grow relationships and capacity.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
From the College Chaplain
Forgiveness frees both sides
Recently, I watched a Channel 7 News interview that stood out to me. It was so impactful that I showed it to my Year 9 Rite Journey class. It was about a heartbreaking tragedy that shook Melbourne a few years ago. A driver who was under the influence of drugs and alcohol lost control of his car and hit a group of children walking along the footpath, on their way back from getting ice cream. Four young lives were lost that day.
Most people would expect the parents to be consumed by anger or hate. No one would have blamed them. But within days, in an interview with reporters, the parents publicly forgave the driver. They said they chose to forgive because holding onto bitterness would destroy them.
Their forgiveness didn’t make what happened okay. It didn’t erase the pain. But it stopped that pain from owning them. But, perhaps even greater, it also changed the man in prison.
The interview showed the impact that this act of forgiveness had on the offending man. To say that he was shocked when he heard that the family forgave him, would be an understatement. The family's forgiveness began a process of real remorse and transformation in his life.
That is the power of forgiveness.
This week, our classes and Pastoral Care Groups have been looking at Luke 6:37-42. At the start of this passage, Jesus says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Forgiving others, especially when we have experienced hurt, doesn’t come naturally. Everything in us wants justice, payback, or at least an apology first. We want people to deserve forgiveness before we offer it. But Jesus (as always) shows us a better way.
Jesus was without sin, and yet was whipped, humiliated, beaten and hung on the cross. If anyone in the history of time could have been justified in their anger toward those who wronged them – it could have been Jesus! However, while he was hanging on the cross in agony, he looked at the very people who put Him there and said, “Father, forgive them.”
To me, that specific moment is beyond comprehension, and it challenges me every day.
If Jesus can forgive in that situation, then I can choose forgiveness in the small conflicts I face in my life – the arguments, the misunderstandings or the harsh words that come up in my daily life. And that’s what peaceful conflict resolution should look like for us too. It’s hard, but we have the capacity to choose forgiveness instead of holding onto grudges, just like Jesus did and the family in the 7 News story.
It’s not easy. It’s not fair. But it is freeing.
We can’t do this by ourselves. But when we hand our anger, pride and hurt over to God instead, it allows us to find the strength to forgive when we never thought it was possible. And in that, we find freedom for ourselves and freedom for others.
Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain
From the Director of Student Engagement
Restorative Culture at Pacific
In this week’s Year 6-12 assembly, students were asked a simple question:
Who here has ever had a disagreement with someone at school?
Whether with a friend, a classmate, a teammate, or even a sibling, the honest answer is the same for all of us: everyone. Conflict is a normal part of life. Sometimes it’s serious, and sometimes it’s over something small—like which ice cream flavour is the best. Yet often, the issue isn’t the disagreement itself, but the belief that “I’m right and they’re wrong.”
When we focus only on being right, we stop listening. We don’t understand. We don’t learn.
At Pacific, we take a different approach.
As a College, we are intentional about how we communicate and how we restore relationships when conflict occurs. This commitment is reflected in our Building a Culture of Respect Policy, which outlines how students, staff, parents, and the wider College community interact with each other. We model respect, responsibility, and empathy in every space—classrooms, playgrounds, digital environments, and co-curricular activities.
Part of this culture includes the use of restorative language. Restorative practice is not about blame or punishment. It is not about proving who is right or wrong. It is about maintaining the dignity of each person and restoring relationships when harm or conflict occurs.
Restorative language teaches young people to:
• Listen instead of interrupting
• Understand instead of judging
• Repair harm instead of ignoring
• Learn instead of repeating the same mistake
When conflict happens, and it will, we ask questions that open the door to responsibility and repair:
• What happened?
• Who has been affected?
• What needs to happen to make things right?
These conversations help students take ownership of their actions, build empathy, and strengthen community connections. Most importantly, restorative practices teach life skills that extend far beyond school: conflict resolution, emotional regulation, communication, and compassion.
At Pacific, our goal is not perfection. It is growth.
We believe:
• People can change and grow
• Friendships can be repaired
• Mistakes can become learning moments
And we do this together through a culture grounded in care, dignity and respect.
Kindness does not cost a thing, and restoring relationships is worth everything.
Strengthening Student Wellbeing Through Strategic Action- Pacific pilots My Mind Check
At Pacific Lutheran College, we are committed to nurturing the whole person, academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. As part of our ongoing focus on the strategic intent: Strengthening of student safety, wellbeing and reporting processes, we continue to take deliberate and evidence-based steps to enhance the wellbeing of every learner across our community.
This term, the College is excited to pilot My Mind Check with our Year 11 students. This initiative aligns closely with our Strategic Intents and Actions for Student Wellbeing, including:
• Enhancement of the P–12 Personal Development Program, focusing on growing students’ personal and social capabilities, including respectful relationships, mental health and wellbeing.
• Exploring options for additional wellbeing and pastoral support across all year levels.
• Strengthening student wellbeing leadership and external support services to develop and grow the wellbeing and mental health of students across the College.
• Investigating improved reporting and support processes to enhance student wellbeing.
Developed by youth mental health experts at Macquarie University and funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, My Mind Check provides students with an opportunity to engage in a short, reflective wellbeing check-in. This 10–15-minute online process allows students to consider aspects of their mental health, resilience, and connectedness while providing the College with valuable insight into emerging wellbeing needs within the student body.
Importantly, My Mind Check is not a clinical assessment but a student voice tool, helping young people reflect on how they are feeling and helping staff to provide targeted care and support. The results are shared only with key wellbeing staff to ensure privacy, safety, and individualised support where needed.
The pilot reflects Pacific’s proactive approach to developing student co-agency, as outlined in our Strategic Plan, where students are empowered to build self-awareness, efficacy, purpose, belonging, and meaning. It also strengthens our capacity to foster a culture of care that is responsive and data informed.
Following the success of the Year 11 pilot, the College plans to expand the My Mind Check program across year levels in 2026. This whole-school approach will allow us to embed a consistent wellbeing framework that supports every student from Prep through to Year 12, building resilience, self-awareness, and a deep sense of belonging within our Pacific community.
Initiatives like the My Mind Check bring our Strategic Intents to life, as we continue to grow deep in wellbeing, leadership, and care, equipping students with the personal tools and supports they need to thrive both within and beyond the College.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to learn more about My Mind Check by visiting www.mymindcheck.org.au
Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Student Engagement
From the Head of Learning K-5
Ongoing Feedback and End-of-Year Reports at Pacific
As we move toward the end of the school year, it’s a great time to reflect on how we share student learning and progress at Pacific. Throughout the year, our focus has been on providing ongoing feedback—offering students and families timely, meaningful insights into their learning, rather than waiting for formal reports.
Ongoing feedback occurs daily in our classrooms. Teachers use a range of strategies—verbal feedback, learning conversations, digital platforms (such as Seesaw), and work samples—to celebrate successes and identify next steps. This continual exchange helps students take ownership of their learning and supports growth across all areas of development.
As the year concludes, end-of-semester reports will provide a comprehensive summary of each student’s progress and achievement against the Australian Curriculum. These reports will include marks for each Key Learning Area (KLA), as well as comments for Pastoral Care and Learning to Learn. Together, these areas reflect the whole child—their academic growth, well-being, and development as lifelong learners.
Our goal at Pacific is to ensure that communication about learning is clear, constructive, and continuous, supporting the partnership between home and school. We encourage families to take time to discuss feedback and reports with their children, celebrating growth and setting goals for the year ahead.
Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5
From the Head of Career Development
Careers News
Important- Year 12 Students and the ATAR Portal
Please ensure that when registering for the ATAR portal, you use a personal email address. If you have registered using your school email address, now is the time to change this to a personal email address. This will ensure you don’t get locked out once you graduate.
To update details, log into the ATAR portal and update via the portal. If you have forgotten your password, then call 1300 467 822 for this to be updated.
2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
Year 12 students will be invited to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey starting in March 2026, following up on their activities after graduating.
The invitation will arrive via a letter, email or a phone call from the Minister for Education, and the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office.
Please check your contact details are correct with the school and learning account that your child can access via the student portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/
Your feedback helps the College improve services for future students, and you can win a prize for participating.
A reminder that all Year 11 students are expected to schedule a Careers Appointment between now and Week 4 to do a check-in. Students can access the Careers Bookings Calendar and manage their own careers appointment, including inviting parents to join, either in person or via zoom.
Simply select the type of career- related appointment you would like and as a courtesy ensure that you check with your teacher when making a booking.
Peaceful Conflict Resolution Starts with Self-Awareness
Conflict is a natural part of life. Whether it arises in the classroom, the playground, the staffroom, or at home, disagreements and misunderstandings are inevitable when people with different perspectives, needs, and emotions interact. While we cannot always control the situations that lead to conflict, we can choose how we respond to them, and that choice can make a profound difference to our wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us.
Peaceful conflict resolution is not about avoiding conflict or pretending everything is fine. It’s about approaching conflict with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to understand. It begins with self-awareness: the ability to identify our emotions and recognise how a situation is affecting us. When we pause to reflect, “Am I feeling hurt, frustrated, unheard?”, we create space to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
From there, peaceful resolution can grow through:
Active listening: Giving others the chance to speak without interruption and truly hearing their perspective.
Clear communication: Expressing our own thoughts and feelings respectfully and honestly.
Empathy: Trying to understand how the other person might be feeling, even if we don’t agree.
Problem-solving together: Looking for solutions that meet the needs of everyone involved, rather than trying to “win” the argument.
Why is this important? Because unresolved or poorly managed conflict can take a toll on our mental health. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection. On the other hand, when we resolve conflict peacefully, we build trust, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of safety and belonging, key ingredients for a thriving College community.
For students, learning these skills early helps build resilience and emotional intelligence. For staff and families, it supports a culture of respect and collaboration. And for all of us, it reminds us that peaceful conflict resolution is a skill we can all learn and practice, and it starts with a willingness to listen and grow together.
PLC Counselling Team
Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Counselling, Mrs Kelsie Munroe, Middle Years Counsellor and Mrs Sara Taverner, Learning Enrichment P -5 & Counsellor
College News
Enterprise Market Day
The 3rd of November Market Day was an incredible success. From handmade crafts to colourful goods and fun games, every stall brought something unique to the day. It was wonderful to see so many students and teachers getting involved. It created such a supportive, creative, and lively atmosphere.
We’re thrilled to announce that next week we’ll be holding another Market Day, and it’s going to be even bigger. With over 20 stalls lined up, there will be plenty of exciting items and experiences for everyone to enjoy. The Year 8 Enterprise students have been working hard to design, plan, and prepare their stalls, and they can’t wait to share their creations with the school community.
Please make sure your child brings some money next week so they can participate. Every purchase helps, as all profits from Market Day will go directly to supporting a chosen charity personally selected by the students, helping make a positive difference beyond our College gates.
Thank you to everyone who supported this week’s event, and we can’t wait to see you all again next Monday for another fun-filled Market Day full of energy, generosity, and creative spirit.
Spirituality and Service Action Group News
As Christmas approaches, the Spirituality and Service Action Group is delighted to announce two initiatives designed to share the joy of the season and support those in need.
Gifts of Grace
The first initiative is Gifts of Grace, run by Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS). This program provides meaningful gifts that empower and uplift communities around the world. Over the next three weeks (Week 5, 6, and 7), we’ll be fundraising within our College community to see how much we can contribute together. All proceeds will go towards supporting villages and families in African countries.
To assist with this effort, the Spirituality and Service Action Group will sell ice blocks to Year 6-12 students on Friday afternoons outside the library (3:15–3:30pm). Ice blocks will be available for $2 each or three for $5.
PLC families also have the option to donate directly to Gifts of Grace through the website www.alws.org.au/what-you-can-do/gifts-of-grace , or as outlined in the information brochure being distributed to P-5 students next week.
Salvation Army Christmas Appeal
Our second focus is the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, inviting families to donate gifts for young families- especially children and teenagers. Suggestions include non-perishable food items, gift vouchers, toys, or clothing. Gifts do not need to be wrapped, as they will be sorted and distributed by the Salvation Army.
P-5 families can place their donations under the PLC Christmas Tree in the Admin reception from Week 7 to the end of Week 8. Families of our Year 6-12 students are invited to bring their gifts to the Christmas Chapel in Week 8, held in the gym. Families still wishing to donate after Week 8 can take items directly to a Salvation Army centre.
Additional information about these initiatives will be available on NAV and shared with students during PCG.
Thank you for your generous support of the Service and Spirituality Action Group. We invite you to share the spirit of giving by supporting our local and global communities this Christmas season.
PLC Spirituality and Service Action Group
Intermediate Debating
To conclude the 2025 debating season, our PLC Intermediate Debating teams held an extended debate over several lunchtimes on the topic “Digital books should replace physical books in school libraries.” Friends and staff joined the audience to support the teams, and after a lively exchange of ideas, the negative team emerged as the winners. A huge thank you to Miss Makani Campbell, Mrs Jodi Nielsen and parents for their support this season.
Music News
Celebrating Growth Through Music: Our Year 5 & 6 MIP Concert
This week, the PLC Music Department was filled with pride as our Year 5 and 6 students took to the stage for the 2025 Music Immersion Program (MIP)Concert—a showcase of not just musical progress, but teamwork, confidence, and commitment.
In Year 5, students begin their journey by choosing a band or string instrument, stepping into the unknown with excitement, curiosity, and often a little bit of squeakiness. Over two years, they grow as musicians - technically, musically, and personally - and this concert was a celebration of that growth.
Our Year 6 students in particular have shown what’s possible when consistent effort meets shared goals. Performing as part of an ensemble requires a different kind of skill: it’s not just about playing your part, but listening, adjusting, and trusting the musicians around you. And this week, our students did exactly that—playing with accuracy, energy, and above all, connection.
More Than Music
Programs like MIP are not just about performance. They’re about developing the way students think. According to music educator and neuroscientist Dr Anita Collins, instrumental learning supports the development of focus, memory, emotional regulation, and collaborative thinking. When students play in a group, they’re engaging in complex metacognitive skills - noticing what they’re doing, evaluating in real time, and adjusting strategies to serve the bigger picture.
Put simply: they’re thinking about their thinking and growing through the process.
Looking Ahead
For some students, this concert marked a wonderful chapter in their musical journey—and the beginning of many more to come in College ensembles. For others, it may be a springboard to try something new: a different instrument, a different style, or a new musical goal altogether. Wherever they go from here, we encourage students to keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly - keep playing.
To our families: thank you for your ongoing support. Your encouragement lifts to rehearsals, reminders to practise, and proud applause mean more than you know. These are the moments your child will remember for years to come.
Encouraging Ongoing Learning
Learning an instrument is a long game - and students don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Whether your child continues their current instrument, tries something new, or joins a different ensemble next year, know that they’ve already built something invaluable: resilience, listening skills, and self-awareness.
The music might stop at the end of the concert—but the learning continues long after.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Noeleen Eden, Ms Linley Chai, Mrs Helen Williams, Mr Jarvis Miller, Mr Simon Ward, Mr Lindsay Macdonald-Clow and Mr Dan Salmon for their musical expertise and passion they bring to the MIP program. Also a BIG thank you to Mrs Carly Lovell for taking amazing photos yesterday.
Ms Krist-elle Hill, Head of Department - Music (Acting)
Remembrance Day Artefacts from the Queensland Museum
The library foyer is currently playing host to a number of World War I artefacts on loan from the Qld Museum. As part of our Remembrance Day display, we have postcards written by Diggers to their loved ones, medals, a Princess Mary Christmas gift tin, a bomb shell, propaganda posters and much more. This is a fascinating display to start conversations about an important historical event and life over a hundred years ago.
Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian
Friends of Pacific
Connecting College and Community
There will be no November Friends of Pacific meeting – the next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th February 2026.
We are seeking expressions of interest for 2026 FoP Executive Positions– if you would like to find out more about a position, please email fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au
Positions include;
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
OCEANfest/Event Co-ordinator
Junior College Executive
Middle College Executive
Senior College Executive
Alumni Executive
We would like to thank all our volunteers that have helped us throughout the year, Pacific is a fabulous community.
Donate Linens
Friends of Pacific are supporting the Sunshine Coast Council's "Give A Sheet" initiative.
Between the 3rd and 7th November drop off any clean and bagged 100% cotton, 100% polyester or 100% poly/cotton linens at admin reception. FoP will collect and deliver them on the afternoon of Friday the 7th of November.
Ms Jan Watman, Chairperson
Club Sport
Club Sport
Pacific Lutheran College has several sports development programs outside of school hours. These programs encourage participation, giving students the opportunity to be part of a team, and learn basic skills of the game.
The parent-led Pacific FC Soccer and PLC Netball Clubs compete on Saturdays in community competitions throughout the Sunshine Coast.
Pacific FC
Congratulations Harley and Ryder - UK bound!
Earlier this year, the brothers from our Pacific Sharks and Swordfish attended regional and national Westham talent ID camps. Both performed outstandingly, earning invitations to the Westham UK academy for two weeks over the 2026 Easter holidays. The academy involves high-level coaching and matches and offers a pathway for talented young players.
This is wonderful news and is so well deserved! We look forward to following their journeys. Photo: Mel
Sunshine Coast Sports Awards - 2025 Team of the Year Finalists
Congratulations to the Pacific Seahorses! The 2025 Sunshine Coast Sports Awards Judging Panel has reviewed nominations from the community, and the U12/13 Pacific Seahorses have been selected as Finalists in the 2025 Team of the Year category.
These awards help shine a light on the incredible talent, dedication, and spirit that define sport on the Sunshine Coast. Over the past 12 months, we have seen remarkable achievements across every level of competition — from Grassroots to Greatness — all of which strengthen the fabric of our community.
The overall award winners will be announced on November 20th at City Hall.
Sharing a common mission and ministry with Pacific Lutheran College
“Growing in faith and sharing God’s love with others”
Weekly worship services are held at 14 Bombala Terrace Caloundra at 9.00am. We are thankful that we can meet together each week for worship.
Our worship services are intergenerational with a blend of traditional and contemporary.
You’re welcome to follow us on Facebook and visit our Church webpage.
All are welcome at any of our services.
St Mark’s Makers – Creative Faith for Kids and Families
Next Gathering:
Sunday 16th November, 9:00am
St Mark’s Lutheran Church, Caloundra – 14 Bombala Terrace
Our first St Mark’s Makers morning was an outstanding success, with a full church and 12 enthusiastic young people (ages 4–14) and adult helpers taking part in worship and creative activities.
Each St Mark’s Makers Sunday offers families a welcoming place to worship together before children head out for a hands-on craft activity exploring the day’s faith theme. They return near the end of worship to share their creations and join everyone for morning tea.
Come and discover faith, friendship, and creativity in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
All ages are welcome!
We 're looking for a suitable logo for St Mark’s Makers – please sent us your suggestions.
The 3rd of November Market Day was an incredible success. From handmade crafts to colourful goods and fun games, every stall brought something unique to the day. It was wonderful to see so many students and teachers getting involved. It created such a supportive, creative, and lively atmosphere.
Sharing a common mission and ministry with Pacific Lutheran College